Updated 05/7/2023 at 3:07 p.m. ET:
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It’s official, Charles III is the new King, though some wonder if he will be the next great colonizer. We’ll let him him have his moment, but at The Root we’re going to just focus on our Black kings, who we call royal for who they became not the family they were born in. We already had plenty of amazing Black men on our list, but you seem to want more.
From politicians, actors, rappers, singers, musicians and athletes: these are the Black kings who will always hold a special place in our hearts.
A$AP Rocky
All A$AP Rocky does is win in life. He has an amazing Queen by his side, a beautiful son (with another on the way) and the best fashion sense in hip-hop.
Big Sean
Big Sean has always been one of the more underrated acts in mainstream hip-hop, but we’re going to give him his flowers. He’s been a successful MC for a decade and continues to improve with every album.
Tyler, the Creator
I’m in love with Tyler, the Creator’s evolution as a person and an artist. With every new album he drops, he shows different sides of himself stylistically and personally.
Jalen Hurts
Every women’s NFL crush. Jalen Hurts did what doubters thought he couldn’t and was seconds away from leading the Eagles to the Super Bowl two months ago. Thankfully, he was awarded a massive contract and is one of the highest-paid players in the league.
Lamar Jackson
It’s time to give Lamar Jackson his flowers. Not only is he an NFL MVP, but he’s also the highest-paid player in NFL history after signing a contract without an agent to help him. Big Truss!
Patrick Mahomes
What else is there to say about Patrick Mahomes? He’s by far the best QB in the league and already one of the greatest of all time at only 27. He’ll be competing for Super Bowls for the next decade.
Justin Pearson
Although he and other Tennessee representatives have been in the news lately, Justin Pearson has always been a driven and motivated activist in the Memphis community.
Justin Jones
Another strong Black member of the Tennessee House of Representatives, Justin Jones is a young politician who has been fighting for the rights of Memphis citizens during his short tenure.
Barack Obama
Thanks to our first Black president in the history of the United States, many young Black boys and girls are going to grow up knowing they could be the next.
Idris Elba
Not only is Elba a lady-killer, but he’s also one of the best actors of the 21st century, appearing in memorable movies such as The Harder They Fall and The Suicide Squad. He also played one of the most beloved (or hated?) characters in the best TV show of all time, The Wire.
LeBron James
Not only is James one of the best basketball players in the league, bar none, but he’s also a prolific philanthropist and businessman. Earlier this year, he became the first active NBA player to become a billionaire.
Stephen Curry
Ever since Curry won his fourth NBA championship and first Finals MVP, he’s been doing nothing but winning. Soon, he’ll be joining LeBron James as a billionaire with the bag he’s getting from Under Armour.
Michael B. Jordan
The man who popularized the phrase, “Is this your king?!” is one of the biggest stars in Hollywood. Appearing in blockbuster after blockbuster, Michael B. Jordan has secured his icon status in roles such as Creed, Black Panther and Creed II.
Jay-Z
Considered by many hip-hop fans to be the world’s greatest rapper, Jay-Z is still dropping fire verses at 52 years old. He’s one of the best examples of a rapper succeeding in both the rap world and the business world.
Denzel Washington
What can we say that hasn’t already been said? Denzel Washington is simply one of the greatest actors to ever grace screens big and small, appearing in classic films such as Training Day, Glory, Remember the Titans, American Gangster, Malcolm X, and John Q.
Samuel L. Jackson
The King of the screen. Speaking of iconic actors, Samuel L. Jackson is an actor who brings himself to every role, no matter the movie. He’s appeared in unforgettable films such as Pulp Fiction and Django Unchained. And his popularity has grown exponentially, thanks to his roles in Star Wars and the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Jamie Foxx
One of the most versatile entertainers of the 21st century, Jamie Foxx can do it all. Not only is he a great singer and comedian, but he also has acting chops—hence his Oscar-winning performance in Ray. Is there anything Jamie Foxx can’t do?
LL Cool J
He’s a multi-hyphenate: successful rapper/actor/Grammy host and more. LL Cool J has been in the entertainment game since his debut album, Radio, dropped in 1985 and he doesn’t seem to be slowing down.
Pharrell Williams
Pharrell has made his mark as an innovative hip-hop producer. At one point in 2003, 43% of the songs on the radio were produced by Pharrell and The Neptunes. To this day, he’s still making fire beats for hip-hop’s best.
Usher
Recently, Usher reminded us all why he’s the reigning king of R&B and that this particular music genre is far from dead.
Drake
People try to make fun of Drake, his personality and even his music. But no one can deny the success he’s had. In a genre filled with up-and-coming stars, Drake is the artist who most resonates with fans.
Kendrick Lamar
Drake may be the most popular, but many consider Kendrick Lamar to be the best. He’s never put out a bad project. Every album since his debut, Section.80, is a certified classic.
J. Cole
Jermaine Cole simply does not get the respect he deserves, but he’s up there with Drizzy and K. Dot as one of the most successful rappers of the 21st century. His consistency and relatability make him a favorite among hip-hop fans.
Andre 3000
Andre 3k rarely drops verses anymore. But when he does, it’s always special. The Atlanta rapper is one of the wittiest MCs to ever do the thing. His verse on Kanye West’s “Life Of The Party” remains impressive.
Nas
Nasty Nas has been dropping bars for more than 25 years. His debut album, Illmatic, is considered by many hip-hop purists to be the best hip-hop album ever. It’s perfection.
50 Cent
50 Cent is the petty king and still seems to get in some social media beef every once in a while. But, he’s one of the best businessmen in the history of rap and has created his Power universe at Starz. Plus, Get Rich or Die Tryin’ is a classic.
Jesse Williams
Although he’s a beloved actor, Jesse Williams is also known for his work in the Black community. He often speaks out against police violence and other social issues.
Morris Chestnut
Maybe the most “Black famous” actor ever, all Morris Chestnut does is act his ass off in some of the best Black movies ever such as Boyz N The Hood and The Best Man. For all his work, he has received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Lil Nas X
Some thought Lil Nas X was going to be a one-hit-wonder. But he proved all of his doubters wrong and is now a huge pop star. His charismatic personality and fun music are always a joy. Plus he’s one of the funniest people on the internet.
Frank Ocean
All Frank Ocean does is create classic albums, win awards and then go back to minding his business. The talented singer has only released two albums since 2012 and both of them are amazing to listen to.
Donald Glover
Donald Glover, aka Childish Gambino, is up there with Jamie Foxx as one of the most talented people in entertainment. He’s a comedian, a singer, a rapper and a writer for one of the best shows on TV.
Eddie Murphy
Eddie Murphy is one of the most beloved comedians in history. His standups are legendary, his jokes are hilarious and his movie roles are iconic.
James Earl Jones
This list would not be complete without Mufasa. Legendary actor James Earl Jones has lended his powerful voice to some of our most beloved films such as The Lion King, Star Wars and The Sandlot.
Method Man
M-E-T-H-O-D Man! Wu-Tang Clan is one of the best rap groups of all time and Method Man is maybe their most beloved member. Even though he’ll still spit a verse every now and then, he’s shifted his focus to being a prolific actor.
P. Diddy
Diddy is a hustler. No matter what, he’s always making moves in a multitude of industries. He’s a producer, an executive artist and everything in between. Whatever he wants he gets.
Forest Whitaker
People may forget, but The Root has not. Forest Whitaker has been one of the best actors in the movie industry for a long time. His roles in The Last King of Scotland and The Butler, in particular, stand out.
Stevie Wonder
Last but certainly not least, Stevie Wonder is one of the greatest artists of all time, with a multitude of classic songs and albums to show for it.
Russell Wilson
Many forget Russell Wilson is the second quarterback in the history of the NFL to win a Super Bowl. Plus, he’s married to Queen Ciara.
Laurence Fishburne
The list of amazing movies that Laurence Fishburne has been a part of is neverending. He’s been in classic films such as Boyz N The Hood, The Matrix, What’s Love Got to Do with It, Akeelah and the Bee and a plethora of other films
Harry Belafonte
Belafonte is not only an incredible actor, singer and entertainer. But also a fierce activist who always fought for the rights of Black people, especially during the Civil Rights Movement.
Sindey Poitier
Poitier was one of the greatest actors of all time and the first Black man to win an Oscar for his performance in Lilies of the Field. He will forever be missed.
Chadwick Boseman
The world still misses Chadwick Boseman. He was an incredible actor who portrayed some of the most important Black figures in American history. But his popularity grew when played King T’Chaka, better known as Black Panther.
Ryan Coogler
While he spends most of his time behind the camera, Ryan Coogler has directed his fair share of movies that have impacted the culture including, Fruitvale Station, Creed and most notably Black Panther.
Don Cheadle
Many forget, but The Root hasn’t. Don Cheadle is one of the best actors in Hollywood and has had incredible performances in a plethora of movies including Crash, Hotel Rwanda and Rosewood
Mekhi Phifer
Mekhi Phifer might not be the same level of star he used to be, but he’s been in his fair share of classic movies including Paid in Full, 8 Mile and Honey.
Danny Glover
“I’m too old for this,” is what Danny Glover’s character says throughout the Lethal Weapon movies. But he’s not too old for this list. An entertaining and phenomenal actor who has been in the movie business for nearly 50 years.
Larenz Tate
Larenz is still acting his ass off in movies today. But he might be remembered most for his amazing run of movies in the 1990s which include Love Jones, Dead Presidents, Why Do Fools Fall In Love and Menace II Society.
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